Upholstery and Leatherworking

Furniture and automotive manufacturing are two industries that utilize the skills of upholsters and leatherworkers. Learn about employment outlook, salary information, certificate programs and course topics.

Is Leatherworking and Upholstery for Me?

Career Overview

Leatherworkers use a variety of tools to cut, sew and rivet pieces of leather to make products, such as shoes or wallets. Upholstery workers fit and secure materials on furniture and car seats. Both jobs usually include repair work, so knowledge of fabrics and restoration methods is necessary.

Employment Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of leatherworkers is expected to decline by 14% from 2012-2022; meanwhile, the number of jobs for upholsterers is projected to increase 1% during that same decade (www.bls.gov). In May 2013, leatherworkers made a median annual income of $25,030, and upholsterers made $30,750, according to the BLS. You can eventually become a manager for an upholstery or leatherworking business with enough experience. If you have an understanding of business practices, you can possibly even open up your own business.

How Can I Work in Upholstery and Leatherworking?

Training and Education Overview

These occupations do not require extensive education, and not all leatherworkers and upholsterers have completed high school. Aspiring leatherworkers usually learn your leatherworking skills from an experienced leatherworker, and training can last up to two years. Upholstery workers also learn from experienced workers, and you may need up to three years to complete training. You might also train through an apprenticeship for either occupation.

College Options

Although postsecondary education is not required, it can give you more employment opportunities or allow you to work in supervisory positions. Classes and certificate programs are available for both professions.

Leatherworking Certificates

You can take career training programs in saddle making and boot making if you want to become a leatherworker. If you would prefer to make items like purses, belts and other clothing accessories, you can take courses in leather materials, leather manipulation techniques and decorative leather.

Upholstery Certificates

You can earn a certificate in auto or household upholstery. These programs cover basic techniques for installing upholstery, as well as the methods for the specific area of upholstery installation you hope to work in. Some upholstery certificate programs cover both auto and household upholstery. A sample of possible courses you can take in a certificate program includes furniture restoration, decorator accessories and designer fabrics. After enough training and experience, you can work on designing upholstery for custom projects.

Required Skills

You need good dexterity and to be comfortable using your hands if you want to work as a leatherworker. These same qualifies will serve you well if you want to work as an upholsterer instead.

Related Articles for Upholstery and Leatherworking

Upholstery classes can be found at a few schools throughout the U.S. These courses are often stand-alone or career-training courses, but some might result in a diploma or certificate. Keep reading to learn more about the types of upholstery...

Online upholstery lessons are available for free from the websites listed below. These tutorials are designed to help interested individuals learn about upholstery topics, including tools and materials, at their convenience.

Related Videos

EKG Technology, or ECG Technology as it is also known, is a health care technology used in the diagnosis and treatment of problems that are related to the heart. People who work in EKG Technology are typically referred to as EKG or electrocardiograph technicians. Learn more about careers in EKG Technology here.

The schools in the listing below are not free and may include sponsored
content but are popular choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations.
Be sure to always request tuition information before starting a program.

Campus Locations:

Guilford Technical Community College

Campus Locations:

Campus Locations:

Green Country Technology Center

Campus Locations:

Oklahoma:
Okmulgee

Find Schools, Degrees or Programs

Choose your subject:

Choose your degree level:

Choose your location:

Online schools only

Campus near
me

Or

No preference

Recommended Schools

The schools in the listing below are not free and may include sponsored content but are
popular
choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations. Be sure to always request tuition information
before
starting a program.